GUEST POST: WGB Gundersen Lutheran Louisana Sausage Soup

I think it's the best soup they serve at Gundersen Medical Center where I worked. In fact, I once recommended it to the CEO while he was in the lunch line with me and he later told me it was great! I couldn't believe my good fortune when I found the recipe for the small portion version laying in the volunteer office one day. Here goes:

9 3/4 oz. Italian Sausage
2 1/2 oz. diced onion
4 3/4 oz. diced carrot
4 3/4 oz. fresh zucchini sliced 1/4" quartered
4 1/2 oz. green pepper diced
1/4 c. white wine
2 T. liquid chicken base
3 1/2 c. cold water
1 qt. diced canned tomatoes w/juice
1/2 tsp. basil leaf
? oregano leaves
1/4 tsp. salt
? black pepper
1 1/2 oz. orzo pasta
2 T. grated bulk Parmesan cheese

Brown the Italian sausage and drain well. Place in a soup pot with onion, carrots, zucchini, and green Pepper. Add white wine, chicken base, water, tomato, and herbs. Bring all ingredients up to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10-15 min. Cook the orzo in a separate container with salted water to al dente. Season soup with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Add cooked orzo to pot right before serving.

I always looked forward to this soup being served at the cafeteria. If you don't think you'll like it, eat it for health sake because I'm sure it is healthy. But look out, you'll probably love it!